Is depression during pregnancy common?

What will you feel if you found at that you’re expecting? Isn’t it the happiest moment of one’s life? However, depression during pregnancy may occur even if you are already overflowing of happiness. Pregnant women usually feel confusion, sadness, fear, and even stress. 14-23% of women can experience this symptom called depression during pregnancy according to American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist (ACOG).

This case is not unusual really because one out of four women feels depression in a point of their life. So, feeling depressed during pregnancy where a woman is more vulnerable is not something one should be surprised of. When you are depressed, it can be because you have a hormonal imbalance which is hard actually because it is hard for some to detect it. Not being able to know that a pregnant woman is already depressed may harm the child in her womb. But, depression can be easily cured all you have to do is to seek support from a specialist.

Definition of depression during pregnancy

Antepartum depression or commonly known as depression during pregnancy is a clinical disorder. It is a genetical illness that involves changes in brain chemistry. Since during pregnancy hormonal imbalance may occur, it gives more tendency for a woman to feel depress and anxious. Also, certain instances like experiencing life situation may lead to this type of depression.

Out of 10 women, one of them suffers depression. Even if pregnancy may mean joy, sometime some women face this stage of their life.

Experts believe that pregnancy hormones protect depression. This leaves women to be more vulnerable especially after the baby was born and the hormone levels plunged. During pregnancy, the rapid increase of hormones can cause confusion to the brain and lead to depression.

These hormonal changes may cause anxiety. That is why it should be treated especially during pregnancy. Sometimes it is hard to diagnose depression and anxiety because women often dismiss their feelings and compares it to temporary moodiness. It is important to know if you are feeling emotional because it can help you physically. So, don’t be shy in asking your doctor about it.

According to research, preterm labor has a greater tendency to occur if a pregnant woman is experiencing depression and anxiety. If remain untreated, it can cause harm to a developing baby and may also hamper one’s self.

High-risk pregnancy may be worsened if the pregnant woman was advised to have a bed rest or to numerous genetic tests. This is usual for women who are expecting twins or more than just one child. It is usually hard to be in this case together with a fear of taking care of your baby’s well-being. Moreover, since you are not able to do the things that you’re used to doing then it would be maybe things harder. You can ask for a caregiver who could take care of your emotional well-being. Doing all of the proper steps will prevent you from experiencing problems during birth.

It is acceptable to worry more if you have already experienced a miscarriage. This feels harder if you just recently have a miscarriage or if you usually experience it for the last few years. You’ll still felt emotionally and physically hurt. Moreover, if you have health restrictions you have more tendency of experiencing depression and anxiety. In addition to that, if you’re young and have an unplanned pregnancy then you are more susceptible to depression.